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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 35


Page 35 of 44

Like old photographs, memories fade over time

A team of Boston College researchers discovered that memories fade in quality over time, losing vibrancy and visual details. The study found that people report declines in the visual qualities of their memories, akin to applying a filter to edit a picture.

SourceBoston College·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 5, 2019

Eyes reveal early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers detected vascular changes in the human eye using an infrared camera, providing a new potential biomarker for identifying individuals at high risk of progressing to Alzheimer's. The study aims to explore the correlation between retinal capillaries and other brain biomarkers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2019

Unjamming the genome after DNA damage

A protein complex, Ccr4-Not, has been shown to recruit factors that mark RNAPII with ubiquitin, triggering its degradation and clearing the jam. This process is essential for normal cell function and preventing diseases associated with DNA damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 5, 2019

DFG to fund 6 new Research Units

The DFG is funding six new Research Units addressing various pressing research issues. The units will focus on improving the evaluation of whole genome sequences, investigating resilience in religion and spirituality, developing adaptive polymer gels, and understanding cytomegalovirus immune responses.

Rainforest conservation in Peru must become more effective

A study by the University of Bonn finds that Peru's National Forest Conservation Program has a small effect on curbing deforestation in the Amazon region. Three key recommendations are proposed: full territorial enrollment, stricter compliance enforcement, and targeted funding for ecologically endangered areas.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2019

What the Finnish concept of sisu can offer the world

A new study from Aalto University proposes that sisu, a universal human strength, can help individuals surpass preconceived limitations through stored-up energy reserves. However, excessive sisu can lead to burnout and an attitude of mercilessness, emphasizing the need for balance and self-awareness.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing·DateApr 5, 2019

Spin lasers facilitate rapid data transfer

Researchers have developed a novel concept for rapid data transfer using spin lasers, which can work at least five times faster than traditional systems and consume significantly less energy. The technology has the potential to revolutionize data transmission, but further optimization is needed.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers uncover new cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that a family of lipids contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm by driving clotting in blood vessels. The findings suggest new treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition by regulating blood clotting.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019

Post-wildfire step-pool streams

Researchers find that severity of wildfire and rainfall intensity affect stability and destruction of step-pool units, impacting habitats and benthic organisms. Management strategies vary from 'leave alone' to active channel management based on burn severity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2019

Magnetic nanoparticles can 'burn' cancer cells

New research shows that magnetic hyperthermia therapy is tunable depending on nanoparticle diameter and material composition. The study demonstrates increased tumour absorption rates as particle diameter increases, offering new avenues for targeted cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 4, 2019

New hope for treating childhood brain cancer

A recent study in animal models of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) has identified an experimental drug that effectively destroys DIPG cells by depleting cellular cholesterol. The researchers also found that the compound works by directly inhibiting lanosterol synthase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019